March 16, 2010

Kaleb: A Dog with Great Character

At about 10 am on this appropriately gross and rainy day we said goodbye to a dear friend. She was nearing her 15th birthday and after a quick decline due to kidney and liver failure, we decided that it was time to let her go. It was very fast and peaceful. I just hope she understands, and maybe even appreciates it. She was my first dog and an awesome one at that. This was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life. I want to share some pictures and stories of happier times.

Kaleb was found by Doug's family wandering the streets of downtown Shelby, NC when she was about a year old. She lived there in Shelby until early 2003 when Doug brought her to live with him in Raleigh. She was the first dog I ever lived with and I think a great way to start a lifetime appreciation of canines. With her appearance of a Rottweiler she looked like she would be mean, but she was as sweet as could be. Everyone she met was a potential new friend and she was known to crawl up in the lap of someone she just met.

A young Kaleb, not picking on someone her own size.

She always thought she was a lap dog.

Up in the sky, it's a bird! It's a plane!! It's Super Dog!!!She seemed to think it was funny when we put clothes on her. She really liked this Superman costume.

Never did figure out why this sweater had a hood.

When we first got Dozer, they used to have wrestling matches. We were worried at first, but if they hurt each other they would back off and then start again. They played like this for hours.

She liked to wrestle with Doug, too. She would growl and growl, but never bit him.

Kaleb was like a big sister to Dozer. A mean big sister. It was so funny to see a 60 pound Boxer terrified of this dog with short little legs. She would have her moods where she wouldn't let him get to his food bowl or a toy. He would sit and whine and not come within several feet of her. I'm pretty sure she thought it was funny.

They had their moments, though. This one brings back memories of the games of "don't cross that line" in the back seat of the car on family trips.

This was an attempt to get a photo for a Christmas ornament.

At first, they could share the back seat nicely,

but about three years ago, Kaleb started trying to take up as much of the seat as she could. Even if she wasn't siting on him, she would stretch her legs way out and growl at him if he touched her. Dozer has spent a lot of time on the floor of the car.

Dozer destroyed one of their beds, and we let them have a little more fun before we threw it out. I was picking the bed up to take it outside when Kaleb jumped up and pulled it back down.

A typical Sunday afternoon with Dozer of the Silly Sleeping Positions and Kaleb: Master of the Sad Face.

This looks sweet, but I'm pretty sure she just wanted to lay on the mat. She jumped on as soon as I picked Penny up.

Thank you, Kaleb. You were an amazing first dog. I couldn't have asked for anything better. There is nothing quite like the nonjudgemental, never wavering, absolute loyalty and love of a good dog. I'm going to miss my hairy little shadow and her madly wagging little nub of a tail.

I think Kaleb understands the comfort you have giving her, although it can be tough to let go of such a wonderful companion I am sure she appreciates it. I loved the pictures of all the memories and it appeared that she had a wonderful life full of enjoyment even when she was antagonizing her brother in the backseat, lol. I am sure she will not be forgotten and she will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. All of you are in my thoughts through this difficult time.